Spreading tampon applicator

ABSTRACT

An applicator for a catamenial tampon which is capable of inserting a tampon into the vaginal tract and spreading the tampon open within the vaginal cavity is disclosed. In one embodiment, the applicator comprises tube having an interior and a flexible material which has one end that is formed into a flexible and expandable loop. The flexible loop is slidably mounted within the tube. The flexible loop is contained inside the tube until it is desired to deploy the tampon. When it is desired to deploy the tampon, the flexible loop with the tampon thereon is pushed out the expulsion end of the tube. The flexible loop expands laterally and spreads the tampon open within the vaginal cavity.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to applicators for catamenial tampons, andmore particularly to an applicator which is capable of inserting atampon into the vaginal tract and spreading the tampon open within thevaginal cavity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It has been long recognized that the internal vaginal cavity inits normal collapsed state is of much wider dimension in its transverseplane than in its vertical plane. It is equally well known that theminimum dimension of the vagina is at the introitus while the maximumdimension is near the cervix. It is desirable therefore, whenconsidering a tampon for catamenial use, to provide a structure which isin its initial state is of a size small enough to pass through thevaginal orifice without discomfort, and when once inside the vaginalcavity and beyond the restrictions of the orifice may be expanded,particularly in the lateral direction, to contact substantially all ofsurface of the vaginal walls from one side to the other in the vaginalcavity to prevent early bypass of the menstrual discharges from thecervix. Since the vaginal wall in its normal collapsed state is flaccidand has multiple folds and wrinkles which provide channels through whicha significant portion of the menstrual fluids normally flow, it is alsoimportant that the absorbent tampon be as soft and conformable aspossible, in order to conform to shape of the vaginal cavity and fitwithin these channels to minimize leakage.

[0003] The absorbent catamenial tampons now in general use comprisesmall, highly compressed, cylindrical plugs about three-eighths toone-half inch (about 1.0 cm to 1.3 cm) in diameter and from 1½ to 2½inches in length (about 3.8 cm to 6.4 cm). Because of the need forabsorbent capacity, they are usually formed from batts much larger insize than the vaginal orifice, and compressed to the small sizeindicated above in order to facilitate insertion. As fluid is absorbed,these compressed tampons are expected to expand (or re-expand) towardtheir original precompressed size, and to eventually become large enoughto effectively block the vaginal cavity against fluid leakage or bypass.While it has been found that these compressed tampons perform theirintended function tolerably well, even the best of them do not expandsufficiently, or fast enough, to provide a good transverse block againstleakage even though the vertical block may be satisfactory. Further,most of these tampons generally use only a portion of their absorptivecapacity before leakage. Since these tampons rely on some fluidabsorption to expand, it is clear that fluid bypass and leakage canoccur prematurely.

[0004] Numerous attempts have been made to solve this problem. Someapproaches in the patent art suggest a tampon with a built-in mechanicalexpansion means, a typical example being U.S. Pat. No. 3,706,311 to Kokxet al. However, while a good transverse block appears to be produced,the mechanical expansion means disclosed in that patent is in the formof a flat spring-like element which after insertion permanentlymaintains the spread configuration of the tampon, may make it difficultto remove.

[0005] Another approach is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,512,528 toWhitehead et al, which teaches the use of a sack of absorbent materialcollapsed to a small size for insertion and which after insertion isexpanded by the introduction of a gas or a fluid internally of the sack.The multiple steps and complicated manipulation of the gas or fluidintroduction means required when using this type of tampon detract fromwhat otherwise appears to be an effective solution of the problem.

[0006] Still another approach is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,857,395issued to Johnson, et al. The Johnson, et al. patent teaches the use ofan elongated inserter device over which a flat tampon is draped. Theinserter is said to permit the draped portion of the tampon to bepulled, rather than pushed into the cavity from the point at which thetampon is supported on the leading end of the inserter. The insertermeans is equipped with a bilateral expansion mechanism which at theuser's option may be operated to transversely spread the tampon at thetime of insertion. The inserter device described in the Johnson, et al.patent suffers from many drawbacks, however. The Johnson inserter deviceis a complicated device comprising a pair of hinged arms that arecapable of laterally diverging at a hinge or joint. The angular natureof the hinged arms would appear to make that inserter uncomfortable touse. The complex nature of the hinged arms would also appear to make itdifficult and expensive to manufacture. As a result, it would not besuitable as a disposable applicator.

[0007] Another problem that exists in deploying tampons having a greatertransverse dimension within the vaginal cavity is that this greatertransverse dimension of the vaginal cavity is roughly perpendicular tothe vaginal opening.

[0008] One attempt to address this latter problem is described in U.S.Pat. No. 3,068,867 issued to Bletzinger, et al. The Bletzinger, et al.patent is directed to a tampon insertion device having a positioningindicator thereon. The device described in the Bletzinger, et al. patentcomprises an insertion device for tampons which are either ofcylindrical cross-section, or non-cylindrical cross-section butconstructed to expand when subjected to fluids in a non-cylindricalshape. The insertion device is provided with an indicator that aids theuser in inserting the tampon with its major cross-sectional axistransverse to the major axis of the vaginal opening.

[0009] The Bletzinger device, however, is awkward in that it requiresinsertion of the widest dimension of the tampon cross-wise to thenarrowest dimension of the vaginal opening. Thus, a need exists for atampon applicator which is capable of effectively deploying a tamponhaving a non-cylindrical shape in the vaginal cavity which does notrequire alignment of the widest dimension of the tampon cross-wise tothe narrowest dimension of the vaginal opening.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] This invention relates to applicators for catamenial tampons, andmore particularly to an applicator which is capable of inserting atampon into the vaginal tract and spreading the tampon open within thevaginal cavity. The present invention is also directed to thecombination of an expandable catamenial tampon and a spreading tamponapplicator.

[0011] The spreading tampon applicator is preferably capable of firstinserting and then bilaterally spreading the tampon to a partially orfully-opened condition within the vaginal cavity. The tampon applicatorcomprises an applicator element with a leading end and a trailing end.In embodiments that are less preferred from a convenience standpoint,the inserter may comprise a rod or other structure that is used forinserting the tampon and the inserter is manually moved from side toside to deploy the tampon. In embodiments that are more preferred forconvenience, the applicator includes a structure that expands the tamponwithout such action on the part of the user.

[0012] In such more convenient embodiments, the spreading tamponapplicator preferably comprises a holder in the form of an elongate tubehaving insertion end, a gripping end, an interior, and an insidediameter. The spreading tampon applicator preferably further comprisesat least one flexible, movable structure that is adapted to resideinside the tubular holder until it is pushed out the insertion end. Theflexible, movable structure preferably has resilient opposed portionsthat are biased to expand when not subject to confinement in the tubularholder. A hollow “bag-like” tampon is preferably placed over theflexible structure when the flexible structure is inside the tubularholder. When the flexible structure is pushed out of the insertion endof the holder it spreads out to deploy the tampon. The flexible, movablestructure can comprise one or more elements. These elements preferablyhave opposing portions that are capable of flexing and expanding awayfrom each other. In preferred embodiments, the elements are convexlyrounded to provide a comfortable surface against the wearer's body.

[0013] In one preferred embodiment, the flexible, movable structurecomprises at least one flexible loop of material. The loop of materialpreferably comprises an elongate piece of material, preferably in theform of a flexible rod, which has two ends. In a preferred embodiment,the flexible rod is bent so that one portion of the piece of material isformed into an expandable loop and the ends of the piece of materialopposite the loop extend in the same general direction as one another.The loop is preferably slidably mounted within the tubular holder. The“bag-like” tampon is preferably placed over the flexible loop. The loophas an initial width which is less than or equal to the inside diameterof the tubular holder, and is expandable so that it has a deployed widthwhich is greater than the inside diameter of the tubular holder.

[0014] The spreading tampon applicator described herein is small enoughin size to pass through the vaginal orifice without undue stretching orfriction. Once the flexible loop is inside the vaginal cavity, itexpands the tampon in the lateral direction and positions the tampon inthe proper orientation in the vaginal cavity. In all of the embodimentsdescribed herein, the spreading force that is exerted by the applicatorcan be regulated by the force applied by the wearer on the applicator.The spreading tampon applicator of the present invention, unlike priorangular and hinged devices, is very comfortable to use, simple andcost-effective to make.

[0015] A non-limiting number of embodiments of the present invention arepossible. In the most basic form of the loop-type of embodiment, theapplicator comprises a single loop of material (and such an embodimentcan even be used alone without the tubular holder). In one particularlypreferred embodiment, the applicator comprises two (or more) loops ofmaterial. Such a particularly preferred embodiment may be used with orwithout a tubular holder. Preferably, it is used in conjunction with atubular holder. In this particularly preferred embodiment, the loops ofmaterial are preferably oriented at an angle of about 90 degreesrelative to each other when the applicator is viewed from the end. Thisembodiment has the advantage of providing an increased likelihood ofensuring that one of the loops of material will be oriented in the sameplane as the vaginal cavity. In another embodiment, the loop can beprovided with the ability to rotate as it deploys. Such an embodiment isuseful in initially aligning the loop parallel to the opening of thevagina when the tampon is inserted through the vaginal opening, and thenchanging the orientation of the loop so that it is aligned parallel tothe vaginal cavity when the tampon is deployed. In still anotherembodiment, the applicator has a loop that is constrained in length asit deploys by joining a portion of the loop to the inserter. The loop inthis embodiment resembles a “ram's horn” in appearance.

[0016] Other embodiments are also possible. For example, the flexible,movable structure need not be in the form of a loop. It can, forinstance, instead be comprised of separate prongs that are biased toflex away from each other, and spread out. Numerous other embodimentsare possible. Many of the embodiments described herein are particularlyuseful because they provide a “signal” to the user that the tampon isproperly oriented and is spread laterally across the vaginal cavity. Theapplicators described herein are also capable of deploying a tamponwhich closely fits the cross-section of the vaginal cavity. Inparticular, the applicators described herein may be suitable for fittingthe tampon to the portion(s) of the vaginal cavity which have across-section that resembles a compressed upper case letter “H”.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tamponapplicator according to the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tampon applicator shown inFIG. 1 with the loop partially deployed.

[0019]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tampon applicator shown inFIG. 1 with the flexible loop fully deployed.

[0020]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tampon applicator shown inFIG. 1 with the loop retracted.

[0021]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment ofthe tampon applicator of the present invention in which the flexibleloop is provided with the ability to rotate 90 degrees during deploymentto accommodate the difference in orientation between the vaginal openingand the vaginal cavity.

[0022]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tampon applicator shown inFIG. 5 which shows the flexible loop in a vertical position forinsertion through the vaginal opening.

[0023]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tampon applicator shown inFIG. 5 which shows the flexible loop rotated 90 degrees for insertion ofthe tampon in the vaginal cavity.

[0024]FIG. 8 is a side view of the tampon applicator shown in FIG. 5,partially cut away, which shows the mechanism which provides theflexible loop with the ability to rotate.

[0025]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a preferred alternative embodimentof the tampon applicator of the present invention which comprises twoflexible loops that are oriented at a 90 degree angle relative to eachother.

[0026]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the tampon applicator shown inFIG. 9 which shows how the two loops will come together to a similarplanar relationship to accommodate the shape of the vaginal cavity.

[0027]FIG. 11 is a partially fragmented perspective view of anotheralternative embodiment of the tampon applicator of the present inventionin which the flexible loop is constrained in length as it deploys byhaving a portion thereof joined to the holder.

[0028]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the tampon applicator shown inFIG. 11 in a partially deployed condition.

[0029]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the tampon applicator shown inFIG. 11 in a fully deployed condition.

[0030]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another alternative tamponapplicator which comprises several flexible prongs instead of a flexibleloop.

[0031]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a simplified version of a tamponapplicator and a tampon that it may be used to spread open by manuallymoving the applicator from side to side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] This invention relates to applicators for catamenial tampons, andmore particularly to applicators which are capable of inserting a tamponinto the vaginal tract and spreading the tampon open within the vaginalcavity. The present invention also relates to a combination of animproved conformable tampon and a spreading applicator therefor to beused for inserting and spreading the tampon open within the vaginalcavity.

[0033]FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the tampon applicator 20 of thepresent invention. The applicator 20 shown in FIG. I is an example of asimplified version of one embodiment of the present invention. Thetampon applicator 20 shown in FIG. 1 generally comprises a holder in theform of a tube, preferably an elongate tube 22 and at least oneflexible, movable structure that is adapted to reside inside the tube 22until it is pushed out the end of the tube. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the flexible, movable structure comprises flexible loop 24. Theflexible loop 24 comprises the applicator element in such an embodiment.The tampon 26, one embodiment of which is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, fitsover the loop 24 and is capable of expanding when the loop 24 expands.As shown in FIG. 1, the tampon applicator 20 preferably also includes aplunger 28 for expelling the tampon 26. The plunger 28 is telescopicallyand slidably mounted inside the tubular holder 22. The applicator 20 ispreferably inexpensive enough to manufacture that it can be disposableafter a single use, although it is also possible for the applicator 20to be reusable. The components of this embodiment of the tamponapplicator of the present invention will now be looked at in greaterdetail.

[0034] The holder 22 is preferably an elongate hollow tube that hasinsertion end (or “expulsion end”) 22A, a gripping end 22B, an interiorI, and an inside diameter ID. The holder 22 can be of either the openend type, or the closed end type. The holder 22 can be constructedsimilarly to tubular holders of the type used in tampon applicatorscurrently in use. Examples of such a tubular holder are described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,346,468 issued to Campion, et al. on Sep. 13, 1994, andU.S. Pat. No. 5,558,631 issued to Campion, et al. on Sep. 24, 1996. Theholder 22 can be of any suitable cross-sectional shape. Suitablecross-sectional shapes include, but are not limited to circular, oval,flattened circular, and elliptical. Preferably, the holder 22 has acircular cross-sectional configuration. If the holder 22 is of a closedend type, the “petals” 23 that define the opening 25 at the insertionend 22A can be of any conventional type. It has been found that it isnot necessary to modify the shape of the opening 25 at the insertion end22A to permit the flexible loop 24 to be pushed through the opening,since the petals 23 are sufficiently flexible to move out of the way ofthe flexible loop 24. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, theopening 25 has a cruciform shape.

[0035] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the tubular holder 22comprises an optional finger grip 30 for assisting the user in holdingthe tubular holder 22 when inserting the tampon, and pushing the plunger28. The tubular holder 22 may or may not be provided with such anoptional fingergrip 30 to assist the user in inserting the tampon 26.The finger grip 30, if used, can be in any suitable form, including, butnot limited to raised formations, depressions, and apertures. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 1, the finger grip 30 comprises a pair ofembossed rings 32.

[0036] The flexible, movable structure 24 can comprise any suitable typeof flexible, expandable, and preferably rounded element that is capableof remaining in the holder 22 until it is desired to deploy the tampon.When the time to deploy the tampon 26 arises, the flexible, movablestructure 24 is capable of moving within the holder 22 (hence it ismovable) and expanding to spread the tampon 26 within the vaginalcavity. Thus, the tampon applicators described herein, plus anyvariations of the same that will become apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art after reading this specification, may be described ascomprising a means for expanding the tampon across the vagina.

[0037] The flexible, movable structure 24 is preferably in the form of aloop so that it is most comfortable when it is deployed. The flexible,movable structure 24 preferably has a relatively low force of expansion(force which it applies to objects in contact with it when it opens) sothat it minimizes any distortion of the vaginal opening when the tampon26 is inserted through the vaginal opening, and minimizes the distortionof the vaginal cavity when the tampon 26 is deployed within the vaginalcavity. The flexible, movable structure 24 preferably only distorts thevaginal cavity to the extent necessary to properly deploy the tampon 26therein. The flexible, movable structure 24 is also capable of flexingto adjust to the shape of the vaginal cavity. This can be contrastedwith devices that use structures employing hinged arms in order toexpand.

[0038] The flexible loop 24 preferably comprises an elongate piece ofmaterial 34 such as a flexible rod or tube, having two ends 36 and 38that extend in the same general direction. The flexible loop 24 may alsobe referred to herein as a “wisk” since it resembles a wisk of the typeused for cooking (e.g., for beating eggs). (However, the loops on such acooking implement are typically not flexible and expandable). The pieceof material 34 that comprises the flexible loop has one portion which isformed into the flexible and expandable loop 24. The flexible loop isadvantageous in that all of the portions that will come into contactwith the wearer's body are preferably convexly rounded to provide acomfortable structure for contacting the wearer's body, in contrast toprior devices having angular hinge-type mechanisms. However, it is alsopossible to modify the flexible loop 24 to provide one or more portionsthereof with one or more segments along its length that are concavelyrounded, rectilinear, or both.

[0039] Thus, not only is the leading end 24A of the flexible loop 24convexly rounded, but the longitudinal sides 24B of the flexible loop 24are also preferably convexly rounded. In some embodiments, the entiretyof the longitudinal sides 24B of the flexible loop 24 is convexlyrounded. The fact that the longitudinal sides 24B are convexly roundedcauses them to be biased outward away from each other when the flexibleloop 24 is constrained in width, such as when it resides in the holder22. As a result, the flexible loop 24 expands on its own when it ispushed out of the end of the holder 22, and no mechanical mechanism isrequired to be present in the applicator 20 to spread the flexible loop24.

[0040] The piece of material 34 that is formed into the flexible loop 24can comprise any suitable material that has the characteristicsdescribed herein. The piece of material (or rod) 34 can have anysuitable cross-sectional shape. Preferably, it has a roundcross-sectional shape. The piece of material 34 should preferably bevery comfortable when it comes in contact with the delicate parts of theuser's body. The piece of material 34 is preferably resilientlyelastomeric so that it does not undergo “set” when it is within theholder 22 and can expand when outside the holder 22. The piece ofmaterial 34 should preferably be substantially non-creeping. Preferredmaterials for the piece of material 34 typically comprise some type ofelastomeric material including rubber, such as natural rubber, latex,nitrile, and silicone rubbers. Other materials that can be formed intostructures with spring-like properties, such as a metal diaphragm springmaterial may also be used. Such other materials may optionally be coatedwith another material for improved comfort. Suitable coatings include,but are not limited to any of the foregoing rubber materials.

[0041] The flexible loop 24 is movable within the tubular holder 22, andis preferably slidably mounted within the tubular holder 22. Theflexible loop 24 has an initial width, IW, which is less than or equalto the inside diameter, ID, of the tubular holder 22, and a deployedwidth, DW, shown in FIG. 3, which is greater than the inside diameter,ID, of the tubular holder 22. That is, the flexible loop 24 expands froma first transverse width to a second transverse width. In onenon-limiting example, the flexible loop 24 may have an initial width,IW, of about {fraction (7/16)} inch (about 1 cm) and a deployed width,DW, of about 1 inch (about 25 cm) to about 1¼ inches (about 30 cm toabout 35 cm).

[0042] The tampon 26 can be of any suitable configuration that is ableto be expanded upon insertion into the vaginal cavity by the spreadingtampon applicator 20 of the present invention. The tampon 26 ispreferably conformable to the shape of the user's vaginal cavity. It isalso preferably soft and substantially uncompressed, and does not relyon expansion from a compressed state in order to fit and fill thevaginal cavity.

[0043] One embodiment of the tampon 26 is shown in the FIG. 3. Thetampon 26 fits over the flexible loop 24 and is capable of expandingbi-laterally when the loop 24 expands. In the embodiment of the tamponshown in FIG. 3, the tampon 26 comprises an absorbent element that has aconfiguration that resembles an “oven mitt” used in cooking. The tampon26 has a head 26A or end that is the first portion of the tampon to beinserted into the vaginal cavity, a trailing end 26B, surfaces 26C, andedges 26D. The tampon 26 has a structure that resembles a bag (that is,it is “bag-like”) in that it preferably has an open trailing end 26B,and a hollow, rather than a solid interior. Thus, the tampon 26preferably has two or more sides 26C that are joined together, a closedend 26A, and an open end 26B. (However, it is also possible to insert avariety of different types of optional elements (absorbent or otherwise)into the interior of the tampon 26 so that the bag-like structure maycontain another element and, thus, will not be completely empty.)

[0044] The tampon 26 is preferably highly flaccid and conformable. Thetampon 26 need not be, and preferably is not pre-compressed to a pointwhere the fibers (or other components comprising the material of thetampon) “set” and re-expand upon the absorption of liquids. The tampon26, therefore, need not rely on resilience or “spring” within the fibersof the tampon itself to re-expand. This feature allows the tampon 26 tobe significantly more flaccid and conformable than previous tampons and,consequently, more comfortable than such devices.

[0045] The tampon 26 may have a number of suitable plan view shapes.Suitable plan view shapes, include, but are not limited to: generallyrectangular with rounded edges, a shape like the portion of a sock thatis worn on a wearer's foot (that is, not including the portion angledaway from such a portion, that is worn over the wearer's ankle),generally trapezoidal, or as shown in FIG. 3, a shape that resembles aflattened light bulb or flattened hot air balloon. Thus, the tampon 26may be wider at the head 26A; wider at the trailing end 26B; orapproximately equal width from the head 26A to the trailing end; or,widest at some point between the head 26A and the trailing end 26B. Thetampon 26 can be of any suitable size. In one embodiment, the tampon 26has a length measured from the head 26A to trailing end 26B of about 2½inches (about 6 to about 6.5 cm) and a width measured from one side 26Dto the other of between about 25 mm to about 30 or 35 mm plus or minusabout 3 mm.

[0046] The tampon 26 can have a variety of different cross-sectionalshapes when it is placed over the flexible loop 24 prior to deployingthe tampon 26. For example, it may have a generally flat cross-section(e.g., one that might resemble an oval) that fits closely over the loop24, it may have a generally circular cross-section, or a generallyrectangular cross-section. In other embodiments, the tampon 26 may havea modified cross-section, such as the one shown in FIG. 15 that has twoof its sides pleated so that it resembles a paper shopping bag whenlooking into the open end of the tampon 26. The pleats will allow thesides of the tampon 26 to expand laterally. In a variation of such anembodiment, the pleats may be provided in an accordion-like fashionacross the (top and bottom) surfaces 26C so that the tampon is providedwith increased ability to expand laterally. In another variation of suchan embodiment, it may be desirable for the tampon 26 to have a pluralityof such pleats disposed around its cross-section that are capableopening in any desired direction (that is, in three dimensions).

[0047] The tampon 26 preferably has a generally flat configuration whendeployed. This allows it to conform to the shape of the vaginal cavity.(The shape of the vaginal cavity is described in greater detail in U.S.Pat. No. 3,749,094 issued to Duncan on Jul. 31, 1973.)

[0048] The outside surface 40 of the tampon 26 can be plain, or it canbe textured. Preferably, it is textured. Although the texture of thetampon 26 is not shown in great detail in the drawings for simplicity ofillustration, the tampon 26 preferably has an outside surface 40 thatcomprises a plush or terry cloth type fabric. The outside surface 40preferably has a plurality fibers or other elements 41 extendingoutwardly therefrom (preferably generally perpendicular to the surfacesof the expanded tampon 26). This is in contrast to current tampons inwhich the fibers comprising such tampons generally lay flat relative tothe surface of the expanded tampon. The fibers or elements 41 of thetampon 26 described herein can, as a result, penetrate into therugosities in the vaginal cavity to intercept menses and reduce“by-pass” failures (failures from menses traveling in these rugositiesand around the tampon).

[0049] The tampon 26 can be made of any suitable material. Suitablematerials include cotton, rayon, and blends of cotton and rayon. Thematerials for the tampon 26 can be formed into a fabric that is suitablefor use in the tampon 26 by any suitable process. Suitable types ofmaterials include woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, including needlepunched nonwoven fabrics, hydro-entangled structures, chemicallyentangled structures, and other types of materials. Needle punchedfabrics are particularly suitable if it is desirable to provide thetampon 26 with a textured outside surface.

[0050] One non-limiting example of a simplified manner of constructingthe tampon 26 is as follows. In this example, the tampon 26 is made frommaterials similar to those currently used in conventional tampons. Arectangular web of absorbent material similar to that used to form atampon pledget for conventional compressed tampons can be used as astarting material. This web of absorbent material can comprise a singlelayer of material such as a nonwoven web, or it can comprise more thanone layer. It can be comprised of any of the types of materialsdescribed above. In a preferred embodiment, it comprises a 50%/50% blendof cotton and rayon fibers that is in the form of an airlaid nonwovenweb. The web of absorbent material can be of any suitable thickness thatis capable of being formed into a bag that is conformable as describedherein. In such an embodiment, the web of absorbent material may, forexample, be of a thickness that is equal to one of the layers ofmaterial that is typically formed into a tampon pledget. The web ofabsorbent material may, for example, be between about ¼ and about ½ (ormore or less than) the thickness of a conventional tampon pledget thatis formed from a plurality of such layers.

[0051] The web of absorbent material is then preferably covered with asingle layer of nonwoven material of the type used to wrap conventionaltampon pledgets. (In other embodiments, materials can be chosen for thetampon that do not require such an overwrap). If a nonwoven overwrap isused, the nonwoven material is preferably folded around the faces of theweb of absorbent material. The nonwoven material is preferably of asufficient size that it extends beyond the ends of the web of absorbentmaterial. The portions of the nonwoven material that extend beyond theends of the web of absorbent material are then preferably sealedtogether. The wrapped web of absorbent material is then folded aboutitself into a tube shape (or flattened tube shape) and sealed with aseam along one side and at one end to form the wrapped web of absorbentmaterial into a bag structure. If desired, the bag can be turned insideout so the seams will be on the inside of the bag structure.

[0052] A key advantage of the tampon 26 described herein is that it canbe provided with an absorbency that is considered to be “regular”absorbency (that is, about 6-9 grams of fluid) with only about one-halfthe amount of material that is used in conventional compressed tampons.This is attributable to, among other things, that the tampon 26 is flatlike the vaginal cavity, and can be spread to fill the same, but neednot be compressed in order to fit comfortably through the vaginalopening.

[0053] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inside surface of thetampon 26 preferably has a different texture than the outside surface ofthe tampon 26. In particularly preferred embodiments, the tampon 26 isturned inside out for removal, and the inside surface has a smoothertexture that provides improved comfort when the tampon 26 is removed andfacilitates removal of the tampon 26. The inside surface of the tampon26 can comprise a material that has a lower coefficient of frictionagainst the wearer's body than the outside surface. The inside surfacecan also be provided with other features, such as a cleansingcomposition that can clean the wearer's vaginal area when the tampon 26is removed.

[0054] The tampon 26 preferably has a removal string 44 that is attachedthereto. The removal string 44 can be attached to the inside surface orthe outside surface 40 of the tampon 26. In one particularly preferredtampon, the removal string 44 is attached to the inside surface of thetampon 26, adjacent to the head 26A of the tampon 26 to facilitateinversion of the tampon 26 upon removal.

[0055] The plunger 28 comprises a component that is used to expel thetampon 26 from its position within the holder 22 when the plunger 28 ispushed manually into the holder 22. The plunger 28 can be any type ofcomponent that is suitable for this purpose. Preferably, the plunger istelescopically and slidably mounted in the holder 22. The plunger 28 canbe constructed similarly to plungers of the type used in tamponapplicators currently in use. An example of a suitable plunger isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,346,468 issued to Campion, et al. on Sep.13, 1994, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,631 issued to Campion, et al. on Sep.24, 1996.

[0056] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 of the drawings, the plunger28 comprises a tube which has its distal end (the end farthest from theexpulsion end 22A of the holder 22) 28B formed into a gripping portion50. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the gripping portion 50 comprises a portionof the plunger 28 that is flattened and formed into a tab structure atthe distal end 28B of the plunger 28. The tab comprises a planarextension of the distal end 28B of the plunger 28. The gripping portion50 can serve several purposes, including serving as a positioningindicator, and to facilitate the retraction of the flexible loop 24after the tampon 26 is deployed.

[0057] It should, however, be understood that the plunger 28 is notlimited to a component having the configuration shown in the drawings,and that numerous other configurations may also be used. For example,instead of being formed into a gripping portion, the distal end 28B ofthe plunger 28 could be left unmodified as shown on the embodiment inFIGS. 5-8. In other alternative embodiments, the plunger 28 can beprovided with an optional feature to allow the user to better grip theplunger 28. Suitable gripping features include raised formations,depressions, and apertures (similar to those structures which may beused as the finger grip 30 in the tubular holder 22).

[0058] It should also be understood that the plunger 28 is an optional,but preferred component for use with the present invention, and that thepresent invention will be fully functional if the plunger 28 is omitted,or if the plunger 28 comprises a part of the loop 24. Thus, the tubularplunger 28 shown in FIGS. 1-4 can omitted altogether, and the tampon 26can be expelled when the user pushes on the ends 36 and 38 of the pieceof material 34 that lie opposite the end of the piece of material 34that is formed into the flexible loop 24.

[0059] To use the tampon applicator of the present invention the userwill typically hold the holder 22 in one hand at the finger grips on thesame. The holder 22 should be positioned adjacent to the vaginal openingwith the indicator (if present) aligned so that when the tampon 26 isdeployed, it will expand laterally within the wearer's vaginal cavity.The user holds the end of the plunger 28, such as with her thumb andforefinger, and pushes the plunger 28 inward to slide the plunger 28within the holder 22. The user pushes on the plunger 28 until the loop24 opens and the tampon 26 is deployed as shown in FIG. 3. The user thenpulls the plunger 28 back outward in order retract the loop 24, andremoves the applicator 20 from the vaginal opening.

[0060] The combination of the applicator 20 and the tampons describedherein provides numerous advantages. One particular advantage is thatthe applicator 20 described herein is capable of applying a force to theinside of the leading end or “head” of the tampons of the type describedherein. That is, it applies a force against the portion of the tamponthat is oriented toward the wearer's cervix. This force preferably has alaterally outwardly-oriented vector component (more preferably, theapplicators described herein provide two forces with outwardly-orientedvector components that are oriented in opposite directions) that act onthe sides 26D of the tampon 26 adjacent to the leading end 26A. Thiswill ensure that the tampon 26 is able to be expanded to a maximum widthdimension at the head of the tampon 26. Thus, the applicator 20 of thepresent invention is able to fully deploy the bag-like tampons describedherein, unlike prior spreading tampon applicators in which the greatestexpansion occurs at some intermediate portion along the length of theapplicator.

[0061] However, the present invention does not exclude embodiments ofapplicators (or tampons) in which the greatest expansion of the tamponoccurs at intermediate portions thereof. For instance, the applicatorsdescribed herein can be configured to apply a force to a portion of theinside surface of the tampon 26 that is midway (or half way) from thetrailing end 26B of the tampon 26 to the head 26A of the tampon, or tosome such portion of the tampon that lies between such a point and thehead 26A of the tampon. In other embodiments, the applicators 20 canapply a force to a portion that is on the inside of the tampon 26 thatis one third of the way from the trailing end 26B of the tampon 26 tothe head 26A of the tampon, or to some such portion of the tampon thatlies between such a point and the head 26A of the tampon.

[0062] In addition, alternative embodiments of the tampon 26 can beconstructed which are configured so that the applicators describedherein provide the greatest expansion at an intermediate portion of thetampon. For example, if the bag-like tampons described herein areprovided with an insert (such as a small compressed batt of absorbentmaterial (or small compressed tampon) inside thereof at the head end 26Aof the tampon 26, the applicators 20 described herein may press on theend of such a small compressed tampon rather than the head end of thebag-like structure. As a result, the greatest expansion may occur atsome intermediate portion of the bag-like tampon. In still otherembodiments, the applicators described herein can be used or modified toprovide the greatest expansion at the trailing end of the tampon.

[0063] A non-limiting number of alternative embodiments of the presentinvention are also possible. In the form which is shown in FIGS. 1-4,the applicator 20 comprises a single loop of material 24.

[0064] FIGS. 5-8 show that in another embodiment, the flexible loop 24can be provided with the ability to rotate as it deploys. Such anembodiment is useful in initially aligning the loop parallel to theopening of the vagina when the tampon is inserted through the vaginalopening, and then changing the orientation of the loop so that it isaligned parallel to the vaginal cavity when the tampon is deployed.

[0065] The applicator shown in FIGS. 5-8 is simplified in that it is ofan open end type, and it is not provided with finger grips, or the like.The plunger 28 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, has a leading end28A and a distal end 28B. As shown in FIG. 7, the flexible loop 24 ispreferably joined to the plunger 28. The term “joined”, as used in thisspecification, encompasses configurations in which an element isdirectly secured to another element by affixing the element directly tothe other element; configurations in which the element is indirectlysecured to the other element by affixing the element to intermediatemember(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element; andconfigurations in which one element is integral with another element,i.e., one element is essentially part of the other element. The flexibleloop 24 can be joined to the plunger 28 in any suitable manner. In thisparticular embodiment, the ends 36 and 38 of the flexible loop 24 areembedded in a material, such as a plastic material 54 that fills theinterior of the leading end 28A of the plunger 28.

[0066] It should be understood, however, that any of the embodiments ofthe applicators described herein can be provided with any of thefeatures described herein, or combinations thereof, and that theembodiments shown are not limited to having the particular featuresshown in the drawings. The applicator shown in FIGS. 5-8 is also shownwithout the tampon thereon for simplicity of illustration.

[0067]FIG. 5 shows the applicator 20 as the flexible loop 24 is justbeginning to be deployed. FIG. 6 shows the flexible loop 24 as it ispartially deployed before it rotates. As shown in FIG. 6, the flexibleloop 24 is in a vertical position that matches the orientation of thevaginal opening. That is, the flexible loop 24 lies in the Y-Z plane.FIG. 7 shows the applicator 20 when the flexible loop 24 is fullydeployed and rotated 90 degrees from the position shown in FIGS. 5 and 6to correspond to the orientation of the vaginal cavity. That is, theloop lies in the X-Y plane.

[0068]FIG. 8 shows one preferred mechanism used to make the flexibleloop 24 rotate. As shown in FIG. 8, a pin 60 passes through at least oneof the components of the applicator that slides through the holder 22.The pin 60 is preferably connected either directly or indirectly to theflexible loop 24. The ends of the pin 60 engage with a pair of channels62 on the inside surface of the tubular holder 22. The channels 62 arepreferably initially oriented parallel to the longitudinal centerline,L, of the holder 22. This is shown as the portions of the channels 62that lie to the left of the pin 60 in FIG. 8. The channels 62 then angleaway from the longitudinal centerline of the holder 22 toward theexpulsion end 22A of the holder 22. When the pin 60 slides through thechannels 62, this angling away of the channels 62 toward the expulsionend 22A causes the flexible loop 24 to rotate.

[0069] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-8 is preferably intended to becapable of only operating properly when the user inserts the tampon inthe proper orientation. This will automatically correctly spread thetampon laterally across the width of the vaginal cavity. The embodimentshown in FIGS. 5-8, once it is in the proper insertion orientation,thereby provides a “signal” to the user that the tampon is properlydeployed.

[0070] In another embodiment, a particularly preferred embodiment, whichis shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the applicator comprises two (or more) loopsof material. The loops of material 24 can be oriented in any suitablerelationship relative to each other. In this particularly preferredembodiment, the loops of material 24A and 24B are preferably oriented atan angle of about 90 degrees relative to each other when the applicator20 is viewed from the end. This embodiment has the advantage ofproviding an increased likelihood of ensuring that at least one of theloops of material will be oriented in the same plane as the vaginalcavity regardless of the orientation of the applicator 20 when it isinserted in the vaginal cavity. As shown in FIG. 10, even though theloops 24A and 24B were initially oriented at right angles, they aresufficiently flexible under low forces that one of the loops (in thiscase 24A) will be capable of “flattening” and adjusting its orientationto that of the other loop. This allows it to conform to the collapsedorientation of the vaginal cavity. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and10 is capable of adjusting in this manner regardless of how the loopsare initially oriented relative to the vaginal cavity. As a result,there is no need for the user to be concerned with properly orientingthe applicator 20 relative to the vaginal opening.

[0071] FIGS. 11-13 show that in another embodiment, the applicator 20has a loop 24 that is constrained in length as it deploys. This providesthe loop 24 with the desired transverse spreading action, but is in theform of a structure that has a shorter length when deployed. Theconstrained loop 24 in this embodiment may also provide a greater spreadin the transverse direction (that is, in width) in comparison to thetypes of loops shown in the preceding figures.

[0072] In FIGS. 11-13, the loop 24 is preferably constrained in lengthby joining a portion of the loop 24 to another portion of the applicator20. More specifically, in this embodiment the leading end 24A of theloop 24 is joined by an element, such as a string 64 that has one end64A joined to the leading end 24A of the loop 24 and its opposite end24B joined to a portion of the applicator, such as the holder 22.Preferably, in this embodiment, the end 24B of the string 24 passesthrough a hole 66 in the material 54 in which the ends of the flexibleloop 24 are embedded. In the embodiment shown, the end of the string isjoined to a pin 68 (which can be similar to the pin used in the previousembodiment) that passes through the holder 22. The plunger 28 has a pairof channels 70 therein that accommodate the pin 68 when the plunger 28is pushed into the holder 22. The pin 68 and the end of string 64Battached thereto remain fixed in position, and the string 64. Since thestring 64 is of a constant length, this maintains the leading end 24A ofthe loop in the same relative position before and after the flexibleloop 24 is deployed. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, when deployed, theloop 24 in this embodiment resembles a “ram's horn” in appearance.

[0073]FIG. 14 shows another alternative embodiment of the presentinvention in which the loop has been replaced with several prongs 74,which serve as the applicator element(s). In the embodiment shown inFIG. 14, there are four prongs 74A, B, C, and D that resemble the loopsof the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 in their arrangement relativeto each other. This embodiment is an example of a flexible, movablestructure that comprises one or more elements, the prongs 74. The prongs74 are preferably convexly rounded to provide a comfortable surfaceagainst the wearer's body. The prongs 74 are preferably arranged inpairs, each having two opposing prongs 74 that are capable of flexingand expanding away from each other.

[0074] Numerous other embodiments and features can be provided. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 15, the spreading tampon applicator 20, in onesimple, albeit less convenient embodiment, can comprise a member such asa simple rigid or semi-rigid rod or tube that is used in conjunctionwith the hollow, bag-like tampon 26. The rod 20 has a leading end (ordistal end) 20A for insertion into portion of the tampon that will firstenter the wearer's vagina and a trailing end (or proximal end, since itis closest to the wearer's hand during insertion) 20B that the userholds.

[0075] The type of applicator 20 shown in FIG. 15 is not limited tostructures in the nature of rods or tubes, however. Such an applicatorcan be of many suitable shapes. For instance, the applicator 20 can beformed by flattening a cylindrical cardboard applicator of aconventional type, and binding the applicator so that it remains in aflattened condition. Alternatively, the applicator 20 can resemble ananalytical spatula. The applicator 20 may have a portion adjacent to theleading end 20A that is spoon-shaped (or “shoe horn” shaped) to fit thewearer's cervix. In other embodiments, the portion of the applicator 20that is adjacent to the leading end 20A (for example, the distal half ofthe applicator) can comprise a structure in the nature of a flattenedstick. This portion of the applicator may resemble a tongue depressor.

[0076] Regardless of the configuration of such an applicator, theleading end 20A is preferably rounded or soft so that it is comfortablefor the user. The leading end 20A can be provided in a roundedconfiguration, or with soft properties in many suitable ways. Theleading end 20A can, for example, comprise a ball-like element, abulbous projection, or a circular or semi-circular element. In these orother embodiments, the leading end 20A of the rod 20 can comprise acompressible material, or a soft material, which may include, but is notlimited to a compressed foam. Further, if it is desired to provide amore compact applicator of the type shown in FIG. 15, the applicator cancomprise one or more telescoping pieces and a locking mechanism forlocking the pieces in an extended configuration.

[0077] The hollow, bag-like tampon 26 is fit over the rod 20 and thetampon 26 is inserted into the vagina by pressing against the insidesurface of the tampon adjacent to the “head” (or leading end) 26A of thetampon 26. The tampon 26 has an initial width when it is fit over theapplicator 20. The user can then expand the tampon to a greater deployedwidth. Preferably, the user spreads the longitudinal sides 26D of thetampon 26 in some suitable manner so that the tampon 26 is spread acrossthe width of the vagina. In the simplest embodiment, the user moves therod 20 side to side manually until the tampon 26 is spread to thedesired condition.

[0078] As noted above, the applicator 20 may optionally be provided witha positioning indicator for assuring that the tampon is deployedproperly in the vaginal cavity. The positioning indicator can be anysuitable type of element that assures that the tampon is properlydeployed. Suitable positioning indicators include, but are not limitedto: a discontinuity on one or more portions of the applicator 20 ordifference in the shape of one or more portions of the applicator 20(such as a flattened portion of the same); indicia such as a mark on oneor more portions of the applicator 20, or combinations of any of theforegoing. If a positioning indicator is used, it is preferablysensitive to touch to enable the user to properly position theapplicator for insertion of the tampon without the necessity of viewingthe indicator to ensure proper insertion. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-4, the gripping portion 50 on the trailing end 28B of theplunger 28 can serve as the positioning indicator. Preferably, however,the applicator 20 is one which can be used regardless of how it isinitially oriented, and is of a type that does not require a positioningindicator.

[0079] In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, the applicator 20 may bespring-loaded, such as by providing it with a spring 80 near thetrailing end 28B of the plunger 28 (or on some other element of theapplicator) that biases the plunger 28 toward a retracted position.Thus, when the user pushes on the plunger 28 to deploy the tampon, thespring 80 will be compressed. The spring 80 will exert a force whichwill tend to make the plunger 28 return toward the retracted position.After the user stops pushing on the plunger 28, the plunger 28 willautomatically return to its retracted condition with no action requiredon the part of the user.

[0080] The disclosures of all patents, patent applications (and anypatents which issue thereon, as well as any corresponding publishedforeign patent applications), and publications mentioned throughout thispatent application are hereby incorporated by reference herein. It isexpressly not admitted, however, that any of the documents incorporatedby reference herein teach or disclose the present invention. It is alsoexpressly not admitted that any of the commercially available materialsor products described herein teach or disclose the present invention.

[0081] While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A catamenial tampon applicator comprising atleast one flexible loop of material which has a convexly rounded leadingend and a pair of opposed convexly rounded sides.
 2. A spreading tamponapplicator comprising: a flexible, expandable, and movable structurecomprising one or more flexible elements, said flexible structure havinga proximal end and a distal end; and a tubular holder having two endsand an inside, wherein said flexible, movable structure resides insidesaid tubular holder until it is manipulated so that said distal end ispushed out one of the ends of said tubular holder, and when saidflexible structure is pushed out the end of the tubular holder, saidflexible structure expands to a greater width than it had inside saidtubular holder.
 3. The spreading tampon applicator of claim 2 whereinsaid flexible structure comprises at least one flexible loop ofmaterial.
 4. The spreading tampon applicator of claim 3 comprising twoflexible loops of material that are oriented at an angle relative toeach other when said applicator is viewed from one of the ends of thetubular holder.
 5. The spreading tampon applicator of claim 2 whereinsaid flexible loop is constrained in the length to which it is capableof deploying.
 6. The spreading tampon applicator of claim 2 wherein saidflexible structure comprises at least one pair of opposed prongs.
 7. Aspreading tampon applicator comprising: an elongate tube havinginsertion end, a gripping end, an interior, and an inside diameter; andat least one flexible loop comprising an elongate piece of materialhaving two ends, said piece of material having one portion which isformed into an expandable loop so that said ends extend in the samegeneral direction, said loop being slidably mounted within said elongatetube and having an initial width which is less than or equal to theinside diameter of said elongate tube, and a deployed width which isgreater than the inside diameter of said elongate tube.